Home Energy: Useful tools on the web

Many websites provide tools and information to help home owners, building managers and designers with energy efficiency.  Below is a listing of tools taken from links from Energy Program at FedCenter.gov  that relate to  energy conservation, alternative energy sources and energy management.

Energy Star Home Advisor:  This tool provides consumers with customized recommendations for improving energy efficiency and comfort at home.

FEMP Energy and Cost Savings Calculators: for Energy-Efficient Products:  These calculators allow users to enter their own input …

Time for Trees to Provide Energy Conservation Benefits?

It is possible to plant a tree that within a few years will provide energy conservation benefits. The length of time between planting and energy conservation savings is a function of the following factors:

  • Tree species (fast- or slow-growing)
  • Site (soil qualities such as fertility, moisture, compaction)
  • Desired energy conservation function (windbreak or shade)
  • Size and position of the structure for which energy conservation is desired

Some fast-growing tree species, under ideal growing conditions, may begin providing energy benefits …